After such a dismal first half of the season, United’s season had completely turned around to the extent they reached the FA Cup Semi Final and now finish the season in 7th place. Manager Nigel Clough was loudly cheered as he departed the Lane for the summer break as the team were given a richly deserved and warm round of applause as they lapped the pitch at full time.
Today’s game at times had an end of season feel to it as the first half offered little to no attempts on goal and no real action to talk about until City surprisingly broke to score just before the break. After the break United changed their tactics but more than that upped the tempo and got the ball forward quicker. Their renewed efforts saw two well made and converted goals to ensure the Blades ended the season 8 games unbeaten in the league.
United began with one change from the game that started at Oldham with Neil Collins coming back in for Terry Kennedy. City had the prolific Callum Wilson in attack and Wednesday loanee David Prutton in midfield and were backed by a large travelling following.
The game began with much of the ball around the middle of the field but had one long range shot from Coady but was straight at the keeper. City had offered little but Collins mistake saw Wilson in but Doyle blocked his shot. Coady claimed for a spot kick but it was waved away from the referee as United tried to build down the right. Brayford was getting forward well but twice his final ball went awry.
Scougall got kicked by Thomas; who was booked and was struggling after lengthy treatment but carried on.
The build up was slow from both sides and the game lacked incident or quality but one cross from the right from Baxter saw Doyle head at Murphy before the captain fired a better effort that Murphy shovelled away.
City had looked lively on the break with their pace and from one such break they took the lead maybe with their first effort on goal. Fleck got away from Coady and as the referee played on despite the City man being fouled, the ball was played forward and DELFOUNESO held off Freeman and was able to toe poke under Howard. It was a goal out of the blue but United fans will feel the lack of urgency and forward play had been punished despite City barely deserving a goal.
A poor Freeman shot and then a booking for Fleck for a foul on Murphy was the only other incidents before the break.
The second half started with United making a change with Scougall deemed not fit to continue and Porter came on. He began up top with Murphy switching inside and Baxter going down the left. United suddenly seemed to have upped the tempo and Brayford went on one marauding run and was fed from Porter but his touch took it away from him and Murphy saved at his feet.
United were now getting it forward quicker and City were now having something to contend with. Flynn had one run which saw him beat his man and his cross was just turned wide by Porter. Buoyed by this FLYNN then went on another run and this time exchanged passes with Coady before coming inside. He beat his man and with his left foot he finished expertly into the corner. It was a great way to celebrate signing his new contract.
Davies came on for Baxter and was straight on a set play after Murphy was fouled but it came to nothing. Soon after he had an even bigger impact. United were now well on top and after winning the ball and moving forward; Coady powered through. He went across goal and resisted the urge to shoot before patiently waiting and laying off for Davies. The midfielder was in on goal and as Murphy came out, DAVIES side footed right into the corner with his trusty left foot.
It has been a good turnaround but deserved for the more determined attacking performance in the second half. Wilson was held by Collins who was booked but the visitors fired well over from the free kick. The action returned back to the other end and Maguire headed across for Collins who was just over. Doyle then hit a ferocious volley as it dropped that dipped and swerved but went over.
At the end Hill came on for Freeman and City at least had a few efforts but Marshall was wild in his finish and then another long range shot was well over target. The additional final four minutes saw United hold out relatively easily despite City forcing a late corner and the fans could celebrate signing off with a win.
United – Thought we were poor and looked quite disinterested in the first half. We were slow and moved it from side to side and even backwards. There was no penetration at all and when we did go forward, we then went back again. I cannot recall any decent efforts of note in the first half (Doyle one shot/header) but we certainly had most of the ball. They worked hard and maybe when they did have the ball they looked more threatening without any chances as they actually broke quicker as they capitalised on us overplaying. When United went behind it was against the run of play though in some senses but United had been asking for it with over complicating things and the slow and meandering play saw them lost it. They broke and got away but it was a simple through ball that dissected the defence too easily and Freeman was held off easily as they toe poked home. It was a really sloppy end of season game with no drive or penetration from United. We had nothing up front and struggled to get behind them, everyone was trying to be too precise and we could not get through them.
Second half the change of formation helped as we had two up front in Porter and Murphy and this drew the centre backs into actually having something to think about. This extra attacking threat gave space down the flanks and from the right in particular. Brayford bombed forward and had some surging runs and although they did not always come off; the Coventry defenders now had men coming at them. Flynn was now heavily involved.
I did feel we stepped it up in terms of tempo and players having a go at committing defenders but I also thought we got it forward quicker to start with and at times it could be labelled direct football to kick start the passing in the final third. In the first half we dithered and dallied around playing it about across the back and then by the time we got into the last third seemed to run out of steam. Second half at times the centre backs played long balls and the Coventry defenders were forced to turned or knock it out. We then played some decent football from winning possession but in the final third where it mattered. The two goals were excellent with nice passing movement. Coady had a very good second half and was involved in both goals. Overall we did enough to deservedly win the game. Coventry had a few long range efforts near the end but they were not an attacking threat at all second half really with much of the game played in their half.
Today showed why we should expect to contend nearer the top more consistently next season but also showed that we lack pace and maybe some physical threat in areas of the field; particularly up top. It stands out a mile that we lack strikers (with those aforementioned threats) but we also need to add in other areas. We are still some way off being the side that can blow teams away like Brentford and Wolves have and not sure we can carry off gritty defensive 1-0’s, 2-1’s for a whole season to get the points we need. There is a solid base but we need that attacking threat and goals.
Credit to United for finishing the season strong and despite fatigue and the fact we have finished 8 games unbeaten and won 3 and drew 2 of the last 5 since the cup semi, shows the professionalism of the management and the team. They have not ended limply and ended the season in the highest position of the season (taking away the fact they were top when they played before all the rest when they beat Notts County).
Coventry – Thought they played ok first half in a nothing game and pressed us more than we did to them. They had two strikers working hard and making nothing easy. In midfield they maybe picked up more of the scraps than we did but it was a relatively even game. They played a few neat triangles but never looked like scoring really and the goal was out of nothing as we gave it away and they ran through before neatly finishing. They seemed in relative control defensively as we had offered very little. They had kept Murphy and Flynn quiet and forced them into the middle of the field. They seemed happy we just passed it about and had no penetration or pace.
Second half faced with more balls coming at them they were finally put under pressure. The likes of Brayford, Coady and Flynn finally went at defenders and they struggled somewhat. It did not take much (2 or 3 passed mixed in with players driving at them) for them to be undone and the lead to disappear. After this they had a few efforts over the bar but kind of looked disinterested once United had upped the tempo and decided to have a go.
Pressley has done a good job and after a tough start and the 10 point deduction had moved them away from the danger area and at one stage they thought they even may make the playoffs. They then fell away and were back in trouble but they stayed up relatively easily in the end. With all the issues with the owners and having to play in front of tiny crowd’s miles from him at the Sixfields; they have done really well to even be where they are. I think Pressley talks some absolute nonsense at times (remember some ludicrous and quite bitter interviews after games earlier in the season – Bradford away when he slated their style etc) but he has done a good job.
They lost Clarke and one or two others but have managed to keep in touch with a relatively young and inexperienced side. They have let in a lot of goals but scored a lot and it was not common place to see 4’s and 5’s at both ends earlier in the season. The lad Baker who was sub always looked a decent player who works hard in the middle. Delfouneso took his goal well and promised much at Villa but seems to have lost his way. Of course Wilson is the one who gets all the plaudits and has impressed him with his pace and also calm finishing. Today he did not get much service but he did work hard for the team. I expect him to move on to a Championship side and fear he may be a bit out of our price range as goal scorers like him and Wells normally fetch into the million+ bracket even at this level. The lad Marshall (down the left) was quick but that was about it with no final product at all. I never really noticed Fleck, who we were after previously; nor Prutton until he went off and got some stick for his Wednesday connection.
Defensively when got at you could see why they have let in a lot of goals as they seemed woefully exposed when we did go at them. Down their left hand side they seemed at times to be playing without a full back. The two centre backs looked slow and easy to turn but had an easy game until Porter at least gave them someone to battle with and allowed us to get extra runners in.
Next season will be even tough and unless they can move back home (seems no closer to happening) they will have small crowds and a small budget and the FFP rules will hurt them even more. It will be tough for them to be among the frontrunner despite some of the young talent and I think mid table at best may be a scenario I envisage.
Howard 7/10 – Very little to do really. The goal was quite close into his body but was very close range and little he could do. He held two other straight forward shots and punched another one away. He kicked one out (as per usual) but his distribution was a bit better; some decent throw outs to set us on the attack.
Brayford 7/10 – Odd game. He began getting forward well and moved into some good areas but his passing overall choices in the last third first half was poor and often his crosses never got past the first man. His touch was not as it has been but then second half he was much better going forward and was able to cause them problems. One galloping run saw him in but he miscontrolled and Murphy saved and then another he was offside. Defensively he was not quite sure all afternoon and one error near the end nearly saw them score then he missed a header and they blazed over. However offers us so much going forward and involved in many of our better attacks when we did go at them.
Freeman 5.5/10 – Not a great game for him today. He was badly outmuscled on the goal when initially he seemed the favourite to get to the ball. He had a few other less than certain moments and generally I felt was poor on the ball. Some bad decisions going forward (weak shot or over hit balls) too. Not totally convinced he is good enough if we did sign him albeit would end up at right back rather than left back where he played today.
Collins 6/10 – Started the game well but then made a couple of mistakes and was a little slow along with Freeman on the goal as they went straight down the middle. They had another chance after his indecision but he did improve as they defended higher up the field and started to move it forward quicker and get Coventry having to see more of the ball in their final third.
Maguire 6.5/10 – Slow and a little off the pace first half but got better as the game went on. Like Collins felt he was quite sloppy at times and even the continual square passing was often slow and behind their centre back partner and meant it was painfully pedestrian. After the break came onto the ball more and actually went forwards with the ball at his feet and helped us have one or two attacks by his runs.
Coady 7.5/10 – He was our outstanding player today. First half he was ok although kept it safe and did not get forward that much and got moved outside as they ran through and made the goal. After the break felt he ran things from the middle of the park. Involved in both goals; with a clever through ball for Flynn and then a run, feint and clever pushed ball to Davies. Outside of these goals he still was a stand out with his touch, strong running and ability to get into the last third. Be great if we could keep him but concerned that Liverpool may want to see if he can do it at Championship level.
Doyle 6/10 – Thought he had a bit of a mare today with the ball; he gave it away consistently and was the sloppiest he has been for a long time after some very consistent performances but he worked hard off the ball. His touch was not the best and I recall 3 or 4 times when he just gave it straight to them in the first half. Got better second half but then another couple of giveaways nearly gave them a chance on the break. Looked a little heavy legged and at times struggled but kept plugging away and had one very good volley not far off. He also had our best two efforts in the first half.
Flynn 7.5/10 – Neat and tidy in the first half but no real crosses or runs in beyond the defence as we came inside from both areas. Second half he attacked the full back on one run when Porter nearly got on the end of it and suddenly he began to really cause problems with his running and penetration. Scored a lovely goal as he combined well with a few players before coming inside and finishing clinically with his weaker foot. After this he continued to cause problems and showed why we are glad he has signed a new contract.
Baxter 5/10 –Poor for me today. Little to no service but he seemed to jog around and look generally disinterested. Did put one good cross into the box for Doyle. He is clearly not a striker (central) but he at least needs to pressure the defenders (as their players did) but seemed to not even want to do that. On the ball he played a few neat sideways and backwards passes but had no efforts or genuine moments when he caused them any problems. Ended up wide left but got even worse down there and not a surprise when he went off. Needs to come back with a better work ethic next season if he wants to be a regular in a side hopefully going for promotion.
Murphy 7/10 – First half he came inside a lot (as he was forced to) but still showed some neat touches and was careful with his passing. He did not cause too many problems attacking wide though due to them doubling up on him. Second half he was put into a more central area. He did not see too much of the ball actually in this area and not sure he is an out and out striker. When he did get it and threatened it was more wide (one excellent run where he dropped the shoulder and went before firing across; as is almost his go to move now). A key player for us next season and if we can get better forwards alongside him then teams can’t focus just on him.
Scougall 6.5/10 – Our liveliest player early and got on the ball and tried to make things happen in a poor game but then got a kick and was down for a while. He struggled to get moving again after the bad foul and seemed like he may go off before he did carry on. Was taken off at half time.
Subs-
Porter – At least gave us a focal point and made the centre backs at least have to make challenges. He actually put a few decent balls through when we had some breaks (played Brayford in once). His touch was mixed and often seemed to get it near his head from when it was near the floor originally. Could well be his last game for the club.
Davies – Came on and played wide left. His set plays were mixed. Some high and floating ones that were not great but a few good driven ones that nearly saw us score (eg Collins header after Maguire won) and another that was cleared. Took his goal really well as he did not panic and just passed it into the corner and had taken up a good position.
Hill – I feel the fact he was brought on right at the end suggests that it was his farewell. After he came on he whacked one away and then somehow with maybe his final touch as a blade kicked one out under no real pressure.
Manager rating –
Clough 7.5/10 – Played around his strongest side really and wanted to win the game and make it eight league games without a defeat. We did that and as has become typical the last few games; we started slowly and went behind again. To be fair we did come back and his words at half time clearly made a difference as we came out with a different tempo from the off and started to get it forward quicker and then play football when we were deep in their half rather than in our half. His changes had an impact as Porter at least proved somewhat of a nuisance factor and then Davies scored the winner.
Done a remarkable job and was nice to see him being almost made to take the plaudits as the players congregated near the tunnel and he as the first to depart to loud applause. Seems like he really cares about the club and realises how important the fans are. He knows we have a long way to go but I think with the blueprint and how he operates he had a chance of getting us around the top sides next season. The key is he makes the right 3 or 4 signings and can keep all the current side and maybe bring back at least one of Brayford and Coady.
Officials – A nothing sort of game for Darren Bond. I cannot recall too many controversial decisions all game. The booking for the foul on Scougall I was not sure he would give until he saw how bad he was injured. The other bookings seemed straight forward too. I thought Collins may have got something on the ball when he was booked but did not seem to complain at all so maybe it was a foul (and then had to be a booking). I felt the linesmen were poor on the throw ins in that both teams were taking them from nowhere near where the ball went out. The one at the end where the right back took it 30 or 40 yards from where Hill had kicked it out was one prime example.
Crowd – A good crowd for the last game with nearly 21,000 inside the Lane. Coventry brought a healthy following with maybe over 2,000 in attendance and filled a large part of the Bramall Lane upper tier. United fans were quiet much of the game although the sarcastic hand balls chants after one ridiculous appeal from Coventry livened things up a bit. The City fans (as per typical for a last away match of the season) were maybe the rowdier bunch. Their chants of ‘ Are you Wednesday in disguise?’ was responded to with the same chant when we turned it around and also the rather cruel. ‘No ground, s**t fans!’ A better second half performance saw the noise levels rise and of course the turnaround saw more singing and chanting punctuated by many staying inside the ground for the lap of honour. Good that the fans stayed off the pitch at the end and allowed them to come back and take the deserved plaudits for the great second half of the season. Hopefully next season we can get even bigger crowds helped by the competitive season ticket offers and chance for some fans to come back who may have lapsed. With Wolves gone and Brum staying I cannot see any side coming close to us in terms of crowds. Bradford and Bristol may be only ones that get over 10,000 averages so United should be comfortably highest average and have the biggest away support distance too (Coventry may challenge due to situation at home ground; or lack of). Although United will be the side that teams will relish coming to; most have already been so element of raising their game may not be there as much which may help in our favour.